2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class MOT pass rate and common faults

2,345 MOT tests in 2024. 87.2% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time87.2%
Failed or needed repairs12.8%
Typical mileage at test60,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,345 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    85 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    54 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  7. Road Wheels - condition: fractured0.6%
    23 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    23 marked dangerous
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.4%
    14 marked dangerous
  10. Washers: not working0.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres6.1%
  2. Suspension3.5%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  5. Brakes1.4%
  6. Lights & electrics1.2%
  7. Wheels0.8%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn6.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.9%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

In 2024, 87.2% of 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,345 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).